Fishing Regulations

To ensure that the salmon population is kept above a sustainable level there have to be regulations to limit the numbers of fish killed. Other regulations are meant to ensure that fishermen behave in a sportsmanlike manner and do not prejudice others' enjoyment.

The Tay conditions below fall into several categories: Some conditions are law. These include when you are allowed to fish, the banning of the use of prawns or shrimps as bait, not intentionally foul hooking salmon and not selling any salmon caught. Other conditions are recommended by the Fishery board and imposed by all FishTay member beats.

Tay Conditions

1. To help prevent an outbreak of Gyrodactylus Salaris which has had catastrophic effects on some foreign rivers, all rods fishing must complete a Gyrodactylus declaration on arrival at the fishery. This states that either you have not used your fishing tackle abroad in the last three months, or you have done so and had it properly sterilised, or you have done so and NOT had it sterilised. In the latter case, you must agree to sterilisation taking place before you start fishing, and accept that there may be some delay in getting this organised. A copy of the declaration form can be seen here: this page

2. The season is from 15th January to 15th October inclusive on the Tay and all tributaries, except the Earn and Eden which are 1st February to 31st October.

3. There is no fishing allowed on Sundays.

4. It is illegal to intentionally foulhook fish.

5. No prawns or shrimps can be used at any time.

6. The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board who are responsible for the management of the fisheries, requests all anglers to abide by a code for the conservation of salmon, especially spring salmon which have become much scarcer in recent years. Anglers are urged to adopt a catch-and-release culture and never to kill any fish which they do not require.

From the start of the Season to 31st May

All fish are to be released.
Anglers should not fish with worms.

From 1st June to 15th October:All fish should be released.

Anglers should not fish with worms in September or October.

Sea trout:

All sea trout should be released throughout the entire season.

Further details and the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board's conservation recommendations can be viewed at: this page.

With salmon returns as they are, catch and release is encouraged on the Tay

Beat regulations

Many beats have their own regulations on fishing methods and on other aspects such as hours to be fished etc. Some beats only permit flyfishing, or flyfishing only in low water. Others permit all legal methods.

FishPal Booking Conditions

This site uses the FishPal booking engine, so if you use our online booking system, or our call centre on 01573 470612, you need to agree to FishPal's booking conditions.

You will be given another opportunity to read all these conditions before doing any online booking, where you have to indicate your agreement to them. They will also be included in the joining instructions you are given when your booking has been completed.

General conduct

A new publication entitled Perth & Kinross Angling Code seeks to offer guidance for anglers regarding sharing inland waters, with other water users, such as canoeists and rafters. It covers current environmental, conservation, and disease issues and in highlighting these aims to help conserve habitats and fish stocks. Tips on personal safety and fishing etiquette included will also serve to remind anglers about the need to act responsibly at all times in order to get the most out of their fishing. To download a copy of the guide please click here.